Regional Briefs

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Eagle County Veterans Service Officer Pat Hammon will conduct an open house for veterans and their families from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14.

Veterans are invited to the Eagle County Building's Garden Level Classroom, located at 550 Broadway in Eagle, to meet Hammon and receive information regarding veterans' services and benefits.

Representatives from Eagle County Health and Human Services and other community organizations will be available to answer questions. Bob Herrera, Staff Service Officer for Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will conduct a formal presentation on veterans' benefits at 4 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. Information concerning veterans' education, vocational rehab and VA medical care will also be available.

In her role, Hammon assists veterans and their families with information regarding veterans' rights and benefits, as well as help veterans submit claims for benefits. Hammon also serves as the Service Officer for the local post of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

- Staff report

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is currently proceeding with phase two of a fishery and wetland rehabilitation project at Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area, and is asking for the public's patience as the work will temporarily limit public access to the popular fishing spot.

Agency officials advise visitors to use caution and avoid construction areas until the project has been completed.

Phase one of the project concluded earlier this summer. The work resulted in an increase in height of the berm around the main pond, enhancing fish habitat by making the water deeper. The elevated berm will also help prevent water encroachment from the Eagle River.

Phase two will continue through November of this year, and will include making the east pond deeper to improve fish habitat. In addition, a small pond at the south end will be filled to create a wetland environment with a goal of increasing the diversity of forage for waterfowl.

Water inlet infrastructure and related pipeline will be upgraded, and improvements to the riverbank along the main road will ensure continued safe, public access to the SWA.